I don't think that BHP can afford to sit on the sidelines and potentially let Wyloo and Co (all private companies) win WSA itself...that is unless of course BHP are happy with receiving nickel concentrate as offtake rather than owning the mines.
Its a bit more difficult to deal with a private company who may or may not want to talk to a buyer.
IGO being a public company does not have the luxury of picking and choosing who buys its shares though, so are exposed on that side as well.
Interesting week coming up.
WSA Price at posting:
$2.99 Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held